Design Map · Eindhoven
Velvet Structures
Graduation project by Jessy van den Elzen at Design Academy Eindhoven, 2026. Shown during Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven on Design Map, location F5.
Jessy van den Elzen's grandfather spent his working life weaving velvet at the former Raymakers factory in Gemert. The town's textile trade was built on curtain velvet. Visiting the factory with him became the starting point for this project. Rather than let the material stay behind curtains, Jessy investigated the construction techniques used to make them. Pleating, tension and hanging systems are normally hidden from view. In her hands, these become visible design elements, a testament to the fact that Gemert's velvet heritage still has a future. Rolls of velvet once stored at the factory inspired the cylindrical forms running through her work. The resulting collection includes a chair, table, room divider, two panels and a bench, all in soft, modern tones. The panels double as sound absorbers, a property the manufacturer relies on for many theatre clients. The room divider's hanging form echoes the curtains once produced on site.